Bicycle crank arm pedal hole covers

ABSTRACT

A bicycle pedal crank arm hole protection device. The device comprises a metal threaded insert to be screwed into the crank arm threaded hole when pedals have been removed from the pedal crank arm and a smoothly rounded cover to dampen any contact with other objects.

A bicycle accessory that when installed can prevent damage to other nearby objects, including the human body when walking next to the bicycle, and help prevent theft of the bicycle by removing the means where by a potential thief can pedal off on the bicycle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to bicycle security and protection devices.

Bicycle riders and mountain bikers may need to occasionally carry their bike over rough terrain, especially if a part of the bicycle breaks rendering the bicycle un-rideable and will often remove their pedals to ease in transporting the bike. A disadvantage of this is the contamination of the resulting open pedal crank arm hole.

Pedals are also often removed for storage of a bicycle. Long term storage of a bicycle with an exposed pedal crank arm hole can cause contamination of the threads in the crank arm holes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides a device to protect a bicycle pedal crank arm hole. The device is designed to be threaded into the standardized pedal crank arm hole.

In a standard bicycle the pedals can be removed from the crank arm for transporting or storing the bicycle. Once the pedals are removed, the resulting pedal hole is subject to contamination from debris or environmental conditions. This contamination can cause damage to the threads in the crank arm pedal hole which can cause cross threading or cross-threading. In addition, when pedals have been removed for longer periods of storage, corrosion can occur in the pedal holes.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the invention to be more easily understood, the device will be described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is the outside side view of the bicycle pedal crank arm hole cover showing the smaller hole where the threaded insert attaches.

FIG. 2 is the top view of the bicycle pedal crank arm hole cover showing the threads that thread horizontally into the bicycle pedal crank arm hole.

FIG. 3 is the outside side view of the bicycle pedal crank arm hole cover showing the larger finger hole used for tightening the assembly against the bicycle pedal crank arm.

FIG. 4 is the end view of the bicycle pedal crank arm hole cover showing the rounded outer portion and flat portion that sits flush against the pedal crank arm.

FIG. 5 is the outside view of the bicycle pedal crank arm hole cover showing the rounded outer portion and the smaller hole where the threaded insert attaches and the larger finger hole used for tightening the assembly against the bicycle pedal crank arm

FIG. 6 is a view of the bicycle pedal crank arm hole cover (1) installed and aligned on the bicycle pedal crank arm (2) and the opposing bicycle pedal crank arm hole (3).

FIG. 7 shows the two bicycle pedal crank arm hole covers aligned and ready to be mated for storage when removed from the bicycle.

FIG. 8 shows the compact storage position of the two bicycle pedal crank arm hole covers when removed from the bicycle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1 through 5 illustrate the device when not in use. The threaded insert is designed to fit a standard sized pedal crank arm hole.

To install as shown in FIG. 6, the cover (1) is threaded into the pedal crank arm hole (3) in the pedal crank arm (2).

When installed, the pedal crank arm hole is completely protected from contamination. The device fits flush and aligned in the same direction on the pedal crank arm. FIG. 7 illustrates that when not in use, the set of bicycle crank arm hole covers are designed to clamshell together with opposing ends opposite from each other with the insert of one in the finger hole of the other, flat edges facing each other to prevent the device itself from becoming contaminated with debris. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A protective bicycle pedal crank arm hole cover comprising: 1.1. a set of pedal crank arm hole covers with two holes—one for finger-tightening and the other for attaching the threaded insert
 2. The pedal crank arm hole covers of claim 1, wherein the device is constructed of metal or plastic or other material 2.1. contains a threaded insert for attaching to the cover and screwing into the bicycle pedal crank arm hole 2.2. each threaded insert is threaded opposite to fit the appropriate side of the bicycle 2.3. attached on the outside of the ends of each bicycle pedal crank arm 2.4. screwed finger-tight into the bicycle pedal crank arm hole
 3. A protective bicycle pedal crank arm hole cover providing: 3.1. a means for protecting an exposed open pedal crank arm hole from becoming damaged or contaminated with debris when the pedals are removed for storage 3.2. a means for keeping the pedals, when attached to the bicycle, from encountering the shin bone when walking beside the bicycle 3.3. a means for keeping the pedals from becoming entangled with or damaging other nearby objects during transport 3.4. a means to keep potential thieves from riding off on the bicycle with the pedal crank arm hole covers installed 